Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

A number of different tests and examinations are usually required to confirm a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL), and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, assess how far the disease has spread through your body and determine how well your body systems are working. Depending on your situation, the physician may use some or all of these tests to determine the best way to treat your disease.

Various tests and scans may be performed to help diagnosis, and also determine a patient’s response to treatment. For example, is the tumor still the same, or has it shrunk, become inactive, or completely disappeared.

The results of these tests are analyzed to allow the doctor to confirm, or otherwise, the presence of the disease, determine the extent of disease, and recommend or evaluate treatments to determine which have the best chance of either producing a remission or cure.

Causes

The precise causes of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) are, at the current time, not known. However, Immune System impairment, as a result of exposure to environmental carcinogens, toxins, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, solvents, viruses, and bacteria, almost certainly plays a role in the development of the disease.

Complications

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) can cause a range of complications up to and including premature death. In addition, the treatments for NHL can cause a range of side-effects that require careful management.